Holy Redeemer Catholic School students recently gathered with military veterans in a prayer of thanksgiving as part of a Veterans Day observance.

Students in third, fourth and fifth grades listened to some 20 veterans share their experiences about serving in the country in the military.

Afterward, they joined the veterans for a prayer service to remember all who have served and are serving the country today.

The students commemorated the holiday by inviting family members who served in the armed forces to come to the Alpharetta school to be recognized.

One of the guests was Maj. Kenneth Hutnick, of the Georgia Army National Guard. He found the students very well prepared after quizzing them about the holiday’s meaning.

Hutnick led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Melissa Kelly, Holy Redeemer music teacher, led the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” and “America.”

The visits wrapped up social studies lessons as teachers taught the meaning of Veterans Day and why the country pauses to remember veterans.